Ranking Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid replacements: Xabi Alonso leads way; Zinedine Zidane in the mix?

Ancelotti will reportedly leave Real Madrid towards the end of the season, so who could be his replacement?

Carlo Ancelotti's second spell in charge of Real Madrid is reportedly approaching its end, with the celebrated manager expected to leave sometime in the coming weeks but that forces the question – who will succeed him and take the helm of one of Europe's most ambitious teams?

Ancelotti ushered in an era of stability for Los Blancos when he returned in 2021, winning two La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies while also stewarding the ship for a new generation of galacticos after Kylian Mbappe joined the likes of Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham last summer. The manager's second spell in the Spanish capital, though, was never meant to last forever, and rumblings that he might leave Real Madrid for the Brazil national team have only picked up steam in recent weeks. Though Ancelotti's exit seems likely, it is still unclear whether or not he will still be with Real Madrid for the Club World Cup in June.

Regardless of when Ancelotti finally departs Spain, there is a big task ahead for the next manager. This month's crushing Champions League elimination by Arsenal revealed exactly how much work there is to do for Ancelotti's successor – not only has this new, all-star edition of the team yet to strike a successful balance, an inconsistent defense and some aging stars suggest a refresh is needed in several positions. The new manager will be asked to create a new vision for this team while living up to the club's immensely high standards, no matter if a rebuild feels at odds with their perennial quest to win silverware.